Both Pearson and Swaren agree that 4-H is gaining relevancy with urban kids. The Stettler Club has seven of its 14 members from the town itself and Pearson says clubs around Calgary are finding the same thing.

Grover also feels the same way. “With the introduction of multi clubs, we’ve seen the various clubs come together more. We are getting rid of the stereotype of being just a rural club — we are whatever you want to be.”

This hopeful trend needs to continue for 4-H according to Epp. “Urbanization is a challenge for the clubs and how you address it is the key. Can 4-H transition out of rural areas?” he asks.

Wendy Ashbacker, Key Leader for the East Central region, believes it can. “People don’t necessarily have a place for animals anymore and we’re losing some members because of that. But they’re going more into crafts and things like that. Life is different nowadays and 4-H will just have to change along with it,” she says.

Time will tell whether Alberta 4-H will survive in the 21st century, but by all accounts it’s adapting well to the changing face of the province.

The Stettler area presently has seven active 4-H clubs and the Camrose area upwards of 20, so for the immediate future all is well.

Local 4-H clubs will be holding a Fun Day at the Stettler Middle School on Jan. 5 and, according to Grover, this will be the first time the event is solely organized and run by the local ambassadors. Any interested youths are encouraged to attend and adults interested in joining 4-H as leaders are also welcome. More information on Alberta 4-H can also be found at the website www.4H.ab.ca.

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